If you are really serious about conserving water, you can catch water from your roof by attaching an inexpensive device to your gutters that will reroute the water down a pipe. You can run the pipe to some water barrels that have a spigot (to which you can attach a hose) or you can run the pipe at a slight downward angle along your property and allow the water to flow into a trench (your swale) filled with gravel and mulch. This is a great way to recharge the aquifer underneath your property and prevent runoff. It will lower your water bills in the summer because you can use the water you collect from your rooftop during the rains to water during the dry season. Water catchment is very popular in New Zealand – and for good reason!